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TITLE: Seasons of Life

TEXT: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; 3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; 7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; 8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.
PROPOSITION: Like the seasons, life is a journey through seasons.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Seasons
SCRIPTURE READING:

INTRODUCTION:

  1. As children grow – we talk about “stages” they are in.

  2. I am sure there are many ways to identify the parts of our lives.

  3. All of nature is part of the natural cycle – 4 seasons.

  4. The difference is that we only go through the cycle once.

  5. For us, it is more of a journey than a cycle.

SPRING: PREPARATION AND DEVELOPMENT FOR LIFE

  1. Development – rapid growth, rapid learning – walk, talk

  2. Education – K, Elem., HS, College

  3. Prepare for life – work, marriage, family

  4. CHURCH –

    1. Teach, install faith, begin to be active

    2. VBS, Classes, Youth activities

SUMMER: THE PRIME OF LIFE

  1. 25 – 45 = Prime of life

    1. Reach the peak in your career and family

    2. More active, stronger

  2. Can be years of distraction – See Matthew 13:22 (thorny ground)

  3. Wealth – This group:

    1. Makes more money than at any other time

    2. Is deeper in debt – house, college, children

  4. CHURCH – More talent and ability – but less time and dedication

FALL: WORKING SMARTER

  1. 45 – 65 = Time to work smarter (instead of harder)

  2. As body slows down – mind is able to more than compensate

  3. Take on leadership roles – community, church, organizations

  4. CHURCH – leadership – elder, deacon, teacher, preacher

WINTER: TIME, TIME, TIME

  1. 65 and up = More time and less resources

  2. Retire – from occupation, time to volunteer

  3. End coming – We realize that life is nearing its end

    1. We may have 10, 15, 20 years

    2. Health declines, strength diminishes, stamina wanes

  4. CHURCH -

    1. Many retire – turn over duties to others

    2. This season has more wisdom, maturity and can be of great service


Conclusion

  1. Which season are you in right now?

  2. Are you ready for the next season of your life?

  3. What are you doing right now in the current season of life?

 


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